MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Nate Hall went 6-for-6 and the Houghton Highlanders swiped 12 total bases to complete a double-header sweep of the New England College Pilgrims, 7-3 and 8-5.     
 
GAME VITALS                           
Game 1 Score: Houghton – 7 | New England – 3
Game 2 Score: New England – 5 | Houghton – 8
Records: Houghton: 3-4 | New England: 1-4
Venue: Crosley Field, The Ripken Experience | Attendance: 75/74
 
Game 1: Aiden Talcott tossed a complete game, picking up his second win in as many starts this season.  He scattered only five hits and two walks, allowing only three runs while striking out three.
 
After the Pilgrims' Brady Philibotte ripped a two-run homer over to right-center in the bottom of the first, Talcott settled in and the Highlanders bats and legs took over.  Houghton would answer with four manufactured runs in the top of the second, collecting four hits, two by bunt, and a pair of stolen bases. 
 
Houghton would tack on single runs in the third, fifth and seventh, continuously applying offensive pressure, while turning four double-plays on defense.
 
New England would score their final run in the seventh before Houghton turned their final double-play of the game, in what is becoming a familiar refrain: Lucyszyn-to-Ueno-to-Kenney.
 
Game 2:  With Houghton holding a 4-1 lead in the top of the fourth, the Pilgrims plated three to tie the game.
 
The Highlanders put a man on third with one out in the bottom half of the inning but failed to score.
 
In the top of the sixth, New England drew a lead-off walk, sacrificed the runner to second, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly. 
 
Houghton, however, would not be denied, putting their first three runners on base and proceeding to score four runs to take an 8-5 lead.
 
Nate Tyler took over in the top of the seventh, setting down the Pilgrims in order, recording two strikeouts in route to his first save of the season.
 
KEY STATS:
>> In addition to Hall's six hits, he also recorded four stolen bases, three runs scored and two RBI.
 
>> Ian Slate and Mason Sutherland both added three hits apiece, while four more Highlanders each had two hits apiece.
 
>> In seven games this season the Highlanders have cashed in on 11 defensive double-plays.
 
COACH'S CORNER:
"These were a rewarding pair of wins.  We played very well defensively, applied consistent pressure throughout on offense, and, for the most part, pounded the zone on the mound. 
 
"I thought the energy in our dugout was excellent.  Our guys had a lot of fun, and we knew we were going to find a way to win.
 
"Nate Hall is really starting to come into his own.  He has a tool belt with many tools at his disposal.  He is finally figuring out how to use them.
 
"Lots to be proud of tonight, but we want to finish this trip on a high note.  One more tomorrow morning." – Head Coach Brian Reitnour
 
UP NEXT:
The Highlanders return to Crosley Field tomorrow for a rematch with Eastern University at 9:00 a.m.